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A review by kailey_luminouslibro
After the Wallpaper Music by Jean Mills
5.0
Flora loves playing classical music with her friends in their string quartet, but when she meets the new boy at school, that friendship is tested. Simon is the son of a famous rock star. Some people think he's stuck up and rude, but Flora thinks he's just having a hard time because his little sister died in a car accident. Flora feels awkward around Simon, unsure how to react if he mentions his sister, but they connect over discovering new styles of music. Can Flora balance her friendships the way she is learning to appreciate both classical music and rock'n'roll? When her elderly aunt is taken to the hospital with pneumonia, Flora is terrified that her aunt will die. Suddenly, she begins to understand Simon's grief a little better.
This was such a sweet book! I really liked the way that themes of death and grief are explored in a light way, perfect for this age group. Nothing too dark or gruesome, but finding hope and comfort and compassion in the midst of difficult loss.
As a musician, I was absolutely delighted with the descriptions of music and musicians. This story perfectly captures how musicians think and feel, and what it feels like to perform on stage. The relationships between the musicians are also perfectly described. There is a really special connection that forms between people who make music together; it's like a form of telepathy sometimes when you can perfectly match their energy in the music. This made the friendships between the characters even more meaningful, deep, and realistic.
I loved Flora's complex character! I was completely fascinated to follow her inner thoughts as she is discovering more about her musical abilities, and exploring her feelings related to grief and compassion for other people. She is an overthinker, and she second guesses herself as the dynamic of her family life and friendships begin to change.
There are so many great themes and aspects of this book that I really loved. I love that there are two caring parents in Flora's family who are involved in their kids lives, giving advice and support at every stage of the story. Such a strong family!
There is a song that features heavily in the book since it is Flora's aunt's favorite song, and there is sheet music at the back of the book so that you can learn to play and sing the song yourself. It was composed by the author to include in the book! It's details like this that make this book really special.
To see the small amount of sensitive content around the subject of death, check out this book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/after-the-wallpaper-music-2480683
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
This was such a sweet book! I really liked the way that themes of death and grief are explored in a light way, perfect for this age group. Nothing too dark or gruesome, but finding hope and comfort and compassion in the midst of difficult loss.
As a musician, I was absolutely delighted with the descriptions of music and musicians. This story perfectly captures how musicians think and feel, and what it feels like to perform on stage. The relationships between the musicians are also perfectly described. There is a really special connection that forms between people who make music together; it's like a form of telepathy sometimes when you can perfectly match their energy in the music. This made the friendships between the characters even more meaningful, deep, and realistic.
I loved Flora's complex character! I was completely fascinated to follow her inner thoughts as she is discovering more about her musical abilities, and exploring her feelings related to grief and compassion for other people. She is an overthinker, and she second guesses herself as the dynamic of her family life and friendships begin to change.
There are so many great themes and aspects of this book that I really loved. I love that there are two caring parents in Flora's family who are involved in their kids lives, giving advice and support at every stage of the story. Such a strong family!
There is a song that features heavily in the book since it is Flora's aunt's favorite song, and there is sheet music at the back of the book so that you can learn to play and sing the song yourself. It was composed by the author to include in the book! It's details like this that make this book really special.
To see the small amount of sensitive content around the subject of death, check out this book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/after-the-wallpaper-music-2480683
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.